Veronica D Bickel

Veronica D. Bickel was born February 3, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of George and Mary (Jachim) Dziagwa. She married Louis Waleski, then married Ralph Westphal; they both preceded her in death. Veronica was married to Jack Bickel on March 9, 1996, in Waterloo; he preceded her in death on February 19, 2019.

Veronica was a Nurse’s Aide in Chicago at South Shore Hospital and Illinois Central Hospital. After moving to Waterloo, she was a Nurse’s Aide at Schoitz Hospital and a Companion at Friendship Village. Veronica also volunteered at Cedar Valley Hospice Home. She enjoyed reading, bowling, playing games and animals, she especially enjoyed playing cards with her family and friends.

Veronica passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at UnityPointHealth-Allen Memorial at the age of 91. She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Mary Dziagwa; husbands; a son, John Waleski; a brother, Billy Dziagwa and four sisters, Celia Zachary, Bernice Grienezynski, Vicky Zientara and Alice Godbold.

Veronica is survived by three sons, Joe (Janice) Waleski of Reinbeck, Ralph Westphal, Jr. of Cottage Grove, Minnesota and Richard (Michelle) Westphal of Waterloo; a daughter, Hope (Brian) Harris of Waterloo; 11 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren and a sister, Betty Chrzanowski of Naperville, Illinois.

Per Veronica’s wishes a private family service will take place.